Song Yunzhao sat leisurely, entirely at ease. When someone glanced at her, she even offered a warm smile in return, making the onlookers feel a bit embarrassed.
Thick-skinned Song wins again.
The atmosphere grew oddly quiet. Consort Shu, suppressing her anger, glanced at Song Yunzhao and said indifferently, “Noble Concubine Song, in just a few days, your nameplate will be submitted to the Emperor. With how much His Majesty values you, you’re bound to be the top pick. Let me congratulate you in advance.”
Hearing this, Song Yunzhao noticed a change in everyone’s expressions, except for Consort Zhuang, who remained composed. She acted as though she didn’t care, though her tighter grip on the fan suggested otherwise.
Song Yunzhao understood Consort Shu’s intentions immediately—no good ones, of course. Still, she wasn’t worried. She replied with a smile, “Receiving such words from you is a blessing for this humble concubine. I’ll gladly accept the kind wishes. However, with so many sisters in the palace, my family background isn’t the best, nor is my personality. I fear I won’t live up to your goodwill.”
Hmph, no one is taking this from me!
Lu Zhixue, unable to hold back, sneered and said, “Noble Concubine Song certainly has a way with words. The rest of us are no match at all.”
Song Yunzhao looked up at Lu Zhixue. Her words were much milder than what she would have said back in Zhichun Palace. It seemed Lu Zhixue had either figured things out on her own or someone had offered her some guidance.
“Is Concubine Lu mocking me?” Song Yunzhao asked directly.
The bluntness of her question startled the crowd. Amusement flickered in Consort Shu’s eyes as she said, “Concubine Lu, do speak your mind.”
Lu Zhixue: …
Was she an idiot?
“Niangniang, this concubine has no intention of mocking Noble Concubine Song. I only feel that she is being far too modest,” Lu Zhixue replied.
Song Yunzhao turned her gaze to Consort Shu, noticing a flash of disappointment in her eyes. Song Yunzhao inwardly sneered.
Her eyes then shifted to Qin Xiyue, who had remained silent throughout. Qin Xiyue sat with her head slightly lowered, seemingly deep in thought, the fan in her hand moving rhythmically.
“Concubine Lu, I was merely being honest and said nothing modest,” Song Yunzhao said with a smile. “Isn’t it the truth?”
Lu Zhixue’s face paled with anger. She had never met anyone as infuriating as Song Yunzhao.
Yes, Song Yunzhao had a lower family background and a challenging personality. Why did she have to state it so plainly?
And was she… proud of it?
Seeing Lu Zhixue’s expression, Consort Zhuang looked at Song Yunzhao and said slowly, “Noble Concubine Song is certainly straightforward.”
Song Yunzhao turned to her with a slightly sheepish smile. “Niangniang flatters me. Back home, my mother often scolded me for this personality. But I’ve grown used to it—it’s too late to change now.”
The crowd: …
Was Noble Concubine Song genuinely naive, or was she a master strategist?
Even Consort Shu struggled to suppress her fury. Rising abruptly, she cast a cold glance at Song Yunzhao before addressing the group. “You all enjoy yourselves; I’ll be taking my leave.”
Any longer, and she feared she wouldn’t be able to resist teaching Song Yunzhao a lesson. However, it wasn’t the time to touch her yet—His Majesty appeared to have some interest in her, and Consort Shu had no intention of being anyone’s pawn.
She had never seen someone so utterly incapable of conversation, yet so adept at poking people where it hurt. It was maddening—and, annoyingly, there was no grounds to punish her for simply speaking blunt truths.
Her face darkened as she left, and the group rose to see her off.
Consort Zhuang, smiling, also stood. “I’ll be heading back to rest as well. Noble Concubine Song, feel free to visit Zhaoyang Palace if you ever wish to chat.”
Song Yunzhao smiled demurely. “This humble concubine wouldn’t dare disturb your peace.”
Consort Zhuang: …
Consort Zhuang turned and left decisively, but Song Yunzhao was unfazed.
Lu Zhixue looked at Song Yunzhao as if she were a fool. Within such a short span of time, she had managed to offend both Consort Shu and Consort Zhuang—truly, she had outdone even herself.
Song Yunzhao calmly sat back down. Beside her was Fan Qingru, who, in the novel, wasn’t one to stir trouble and had a peaceful temperament. She initiated some casual conversation with Song Yunzhao, making for pleasant, time-passing chatter without the need for building deeper connections.
Seeing this, the others in the pavilion dispersed.
Qin Xiyue and Lu Zhixue stayed, but Feng Xiao Yuan, unable to suppress her frustration, took a deep breath and stood to leave. Staying any longer would likely ruin her appetite for the rest of the day.
This Noble Concubine Song was simply… impossible to deal with. She seemed even sharper than she had been in Zhichun Palace. Feng Xiao Yuan decided it was better not to interact and potentially humiliate herself. Although her rank was low, her noble background and upbringing had taught her to hold her head high—excessive humility was not her style.
Besides, Song Yunzhao was still just a Noble Concubine at this stage. Who knew what the future might hold?
As Feng Yunjin left, the other junior concubines also took their leave one after another. Before long, only four people remained in the pavilion.
Even Fan Qingru couldn’t bear to stay. She had felt Lu Zhixue’s gaze lingering in her direction—silent but unrelenting—which was unsettling. While Song Yunzhao remained utterly composed, Fan Qingru couldn’t help but admire her. For her part, she couldn’t manage it and decided to excuse herself.
Watching Fan Qingru leave, Song Yunzhao didn’t budge. She leisurely fanned herself, soaking in the scenery with an air of serenity.
Lu Zhixue: …
Qin Xiyue slowed her fanning and, after a moment’s thought, spoke. “It’s been some time since we entered the palace, and I rarely get to see Noble Concubine Song. How have you been?”
Song Yunzhao hadn’t expected Qin Xiyue to speak up. She had deliberately stayed to see who would last longer in this standoff.
She could already sense a subtle shift in Qin Xiyue’s attitude toward her. That didn’t bother her, though; her attitude toward Qin Xiyue hadn’t changed.
“I’ve been well—eating and sleeping soundly,” Song Yunzhao replied cheerfully. “You look to be in good spirits yourself, Noble Concubine Qin. Life must be treating you well.”
“Noble Concubine Song, are you mocking someone? Everyone knows how things are for us new entrants to the palace. You were chosen to accompany the Emperor and took the lead—there’s no need to flaunt it in front of us,” Lu Zhixue said, her temper flaring uncontrollably.
Before Song Yunzhao could respond, Qin Xiyue tugged at Lu Zhixue and offered Song Yunzhao an apologetic smile. “Please don’t take offense, Noble Concubine Song. Concubine Lu just speaks her mind and means no harm.”
Song Yunzhao: …
The overwhelming scent of “green tea” [mfn]people who appear innocent and pure on the outside but are calculating and cunning on the inside[/mfn]wafted over her.
She turned to Qin Xiyue and said, “Noble Concubine Qin, by your reasoning, insubordination is merely a matter of speaking one’s mind. Why, then, did Concubine Lu not exhibit such ‘straightforwardness’ in front of Consort Shu or Consort Zhuang earlier? Could it be that this so-called forthrightness depends on the target? Does she find me easier to bully? Is that why she’s repeatedly disrespectful toward me?”
Qin Xiyue frowned. “Noble Concubine Song, that’s not what I meant. Concubine Lu had no intention of being disrespectful.”
Qin Xiyue hadn’t expected Song Yunzhao to pull rank, and her expression darkened as she cast a sideways glance at Lu Zhixue.
Lu Zhixue clenched her teeth, saying nothing.
Qin Xiyue was so frustrated her face nearly darkened further. Who am I putting up with this humiliation for?
Song Yunzhao noticed the subtle discord between Qin Xiyue and Lu Zhixue, and she felt quite satisfied. Those two absolutely could not become allies.
Qin Xiyue already carried the aura of a heroine, a mysterious force that seemed to tip the scales in her favor. Though unexplainable and intangible, Song Yunzhao couldn’t dismiss its potential impact. According to the novels she had read, this was the author’s way of granting a protagonist special favor. She found the idea implausible—just words on a page suddenly materializing as reality?
Even so, her own experiences suggested otherwise. Her resilience and combativeness had kept her afloat despite some unlucky turns, but she remained cautious.
Thus, she chose to believe in the aura’s existence rather than deny it. Until she could rival Qin Xiyue in strength, she wouldn’t risk direct confrontation with the heroine.
As long as Qin Xiyue didn’t plot against her, they could coexist peacefully. When it came to competing for favor, it would be every woman for herself.
But if Qin Xiyue ever schemed against her, all bets were off. As a bold and reckless “villainess,” Song Yunzhao had no fear of clashing with a self-righteous heroine. She’d see who could go further.
Moreover, she felt that Qin Xiyue was deviating from the character the book had outlined. Perhaps the Emperor’s attention had made her anxious, causing her actions to lose the steady, methodical quality depicted in the novel.
Song Yunzhao stood, glanced at Lu Zhixue, and spoke slowly, “Noble Concubine Qin, considering the little connection we share, I won’t hold this matter against Concubine Lu today. But next time, there won’t be such luck.”
Qin Xiyue frowned deeply, observing how the Song Yunzhao before her seemed entirely different from the one she had met outside the palace.
Song Yunzhao met Qin Xiyue’s fleeting glance without any particular feeling. After all, there was no real bond between them. What had happened outside the palace wasn’t an act of kindness toward the heroine but merely a decision to serve herself.
Seeing Qin Xiyue’s uncomfortable expression only confirmed her belief—they were on completely different paths.
Song Yunzhao left.
Lu Zhixue’s face turned dark with anger. “How utterly arrogant!”
Qin Xiyue sighed irritably. “I’ve told you before—her personality doesn’t tolerate suffering. You just wouldn’t listen. In the palace, her rank is higher than yours. You must bow your head unless you can earn the Emperor’s protection.”
Lu Zhixue caught the displeasure in Qin Xiyue’s tone and shot her a glance before coldly laughing. “You’re right. I was reckless and caused you to endure humiliation with me today. I won’t burden you again in the future.”
With that, she stormed off, leaving Qin Xiyue too exasperated to care anymore. Such a temperament would lead to an eventual disaster.
Qin Xiyue herself felt unsettled, as if everything was unfolding incorrectly. Yet she couldn’t pinpoint what should be different. She unconsciously touched her chest. It felt hollow, as if something were missing. Though she wasn’t physically unwell, the discomfort lingered.
With a somber expression, Qin Xiyue made her way back to her palace. Fang Ping and Hua Ying didn’t dare say a word, following her in silence.
Upon reaching Huayang Palace, Qin Xiyue retreated to her chambers. Concerned, Hua Ying sought out Zhuo Momo.
Zhuo Momo was busy with her tasks when Hua Ying approached. “Weren’t you accompanying the Noble Concubine to the garden? Why are you back so early?”
Hua Ying hesitated, replying, “Momo, you wouldn’t believe it. The one from Wangyou Palace was there as well. I was truly astonished—her personality is so hard to deal with, incredibly forceful.”
Zhuo Momo paused in surprise, handing her tasks to a younger palace maid before leading Hua Ying to the tea room. “Explain to me carefully. What happened?”
Hua Ying recounted the events in detail, finishing with frustration. “Our mistress and the one from Wangyou Palace are both Noble Concubines. So why does she get to act superior and reprimand our mistress?”
“Why?” Zhuo Momo said coldly. “Because she was the first of the newly entered concubines to accompany the Emperor, and the first palace he visited was Wangyou Palace. That’s her leverage.”
Hua Ying’s mood sank. “Our mistress is kind and beautiful, with a good family background. Why can’t the Emperor see that?”
Instead, they had to endure the bullying of someone from a sixth-grade official’s household—she couldn’t swallow the indignity.
Seeing Hua Ying’s angry expression, Zhuo Momo said calmly, “In the palace, this is all too common. Family background matters, but what matters most is what the Emperor likes.”
She hadn’t expected the Emperor to favor someone like Noble Concubine Song.
Looking at the three consorts and the late Imperial Noble Consort, none of them were as provocative as Noble Concubine Song. Among the three consorts, Consort Shu was the most temperamental, but even she didn’t make her actions as blatantly obvious.
Shaking her head, Zhuo Momo said, “Someone like Noble Concubine Song is bound to suffer eventually. She’s too flamboyant, making enemies everywhere. Just wait and see. Our mistress is doing the right thing—slow and steady wins the race. Besides, having someone like Noble Concubine Song drawing attention makes life easier for our mistress.”
Huaying understood the reasoning but still struggled to accept it.
“Momo, do you think Noble Concubine Song will be the first to serve His Majesty?” Hua Ying asked cautiously. “Everyone in the palace is watching. Even the three consorts have avoided taking any action lately to avoid displeasing the Emperor.”
Though her words were polite, the implication was clear—the three consorts knew they couldn’t stop the Emperor’s plans for the new concubines and were wary of falling out of favor. The palace was a place where favor was fleeting; there was no need to rush.
Zhuo Momo’s eyes flickered. “Who can say? His Majesty’s thoughts are unknowable. But don’t speak of this outside—it could bring trouble upon the Noble Concubine. If anything happens now, with her position still unstable, she won’t be able to protect you.”
Hua Ying was startled and quickly promised, “I understand, Zhuo Momo. I won’t say such things again.”
“Good. Doing nothing in times like these is the wisest course of action.” Zhuo Momo dismissed her and sat in thought for a moment before heading to Qin Xiyue’s chambers.
Rarely did Qin Xiyue appear so unsettled. Hearing Zhuo Momo’s request for an audience, she sat up against her pillow. “Come in, Momo.”
Zhuo Momo entered, immediately noticing the Noble Concubine’s troubled expression. After paying her respects, she said, “Mistress, I’ve heard about what happened in the garden.”
Qin Xiyue glanced at her. “You already know? If you’ve come to see me now, does that mean you have something to say?”
Zhuo Momo smiled gently and replied, “Indeed, there’s something I’d like to share.”
“Go ahead.”
The room fell silent. Zhuo Momo took a deep breath before looking up and saying, “I believe Mistress handled the situation correctly. Now is not the time to stand out. Noble Concubine Song was always causing a stir in Zhichun Palace—such personalities are rare. Perhaps His Majesty finds her novel for now, but once the novelty wears off, someone like her will struggle in the palace.”
Qin Xiyue remained silent, her expression somber.
Zhuo Momo remained silent, patiently waiting and refraining from speaking out of turn. Her mistress was perceptive, so she could only offer indirect hints and subtle reminders.
“Zhuo Momo, your thoughts are appreciated. I understand. You may go and rest,” Qin Xiyue said, forcing a faint smile.
Hearing this, Zhuo Momo bowed and retreated. Once outside, she sighed softly under the corridor eaves before walking away.
Qin Xiyue knew Zhuo Momo was right. She needed to wait—wait for Song Yunzhao to cause trouble and fall from grace, and wait for the right opportunity to present herself before His Majesty.
But deep down, restless thoughts surged within her, leaving her tormented. On one hand, she told herself to be patient. On the other, she couldn’t bear the idea of being overshadowed by Song Yunzhao.
Throwing herself into bed, she decided that perhaps sleeping on it would bring clarity.
Meanwhile, Song Yunzhao returned leisurely to Wangyou Palace, resuming her peaceful days of good food and entertaining storybooks.
The minor ripples in the harem didn’t weigh on her mind. She continued to eat and sleep as she pleased.
The next day, Han Jinyi came to visit.
Song Yunzhao welcomed her into the inner hall and said with a smile, “What brings you here today? It’s rare to see you step out.”
Han Jinyi smiled back. “You’ve got some nerve saying that to me—you’re no different.”
Song Yunzhao laughed. “In this scorching heat, why bother going out? Staying in the palace where it’s cool and comfortable is much better.”
“Don’t try to dodge. What happened yesterday is already the talk of the palace.”
Song Yunzhao: …
“This palace is full of gossipers.”
Han Jinyi chuckled, a mix of exasperation and amusement. “So, what’s your plan? At least think about your reputation.”
Surprised, Song Yunzhao looked at her. “What reputation do I even have?”
Han Jinyi was left speechless. “What do you mean you don’t have a reputation? You even saved someone back in Zhichun Palace! Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten that.”
“Of course I haven’t.”
Not only had she saved someone, but she’d also knocked down a wall, overturned a boat, and thrown punches. She had done plenty. If there were a comprehensive scorecard, hers would likely fail. After all, she had initially planned to make a brief appearance and return home, never intending to fight for a better position.
The image she’d created for herself back then couldn’t be changed now.
She had dug her own pit; there was nothing to be done about it.
Han Jinyi, half-amused and half-annoyed, mistook Song Yunzhao’s subtle expression for embarrassment, entirely unaware of her actual thoughts.
“Everyone’s keeping an eye on you now. Be careful. I’m of no use, so I can’t help much,” Han Jinyi sighed. Song Yunzhao was advancing so quickly that even if she took off her shoes, she couldn’t catch up. She decided it was better not to add to her troubles.
“How can you say that?” Song Yunzhao was genuinely surprised and stared at Han Jinyi. “Has someone said something to you?”
Han Jinyi shook her head. “No. I just feel that my temperament… as long as you’re doing well, that’s all that matters.”
Song Yunzhao understood. In the novel, Han Jinyi was a dignified and rule-abiding person. Since entering the palace, she had done nothing out of line except for the incident of falling into the water.
Thinking of this, Song Yunzhao gave Han Jinyi a playful wink. “People outside are probably saying that I’m corrupting you. That aside, though we haven’t known each other long, I understand your character. If you don’t mind, we should spend more time together.”
Song Yunzhao wouldn’t say anything about sharing the Emperor. If Han Jinyi wanted to compete for favor, it was her own ability. But Song Yunzhao wouldn’t step aside or create opportunities for her.
Others could try to take what was hers, but she wouldn’t give it up on her own.
If someone managed to win against her, she would accept it wholeheartedly.
Han Jinyi smiled. “Sure. Life in the deep palace is long and tedious. Having someone to share heartfelt conversations with is truly delightful.”
Song Yunzhao was happy to hear this. She could tell that Han Jinyi was being sincere.
Seeing Song Yunzhao’s expression, Han Jinyi couldn’t help but smile.
She knew herself well enough—her looks were average, her talents moderate, and her personality unremarkable. If she had one strength, it was her patience and contentment with a simple life.
She remembered her grandfather’s words before she entered the palace: he didn’t expect her to pave the way for the family but only to live steadily and safely in the palace. Her survival alone would be her greatest contribution.
She understood what he meant. If something happened to her in the palace, her family would likely send another sister in a few years. Having spent only a short time in the palace, she already knew how difficult life there could be.
Why sacrifice another Han family daughter?
So, her grandfather had been right—surviving in the palace was what truly mattered.
Han Jinyi reflected on her journey so far and concluded that Song Yunzhao’s personality aligned best with hers. Being friends with her meant not having to worry about betrayal or being stabbed in the back.
Han Jinyi knew she might not be able to compete with all the other women for the Emperor’s favor, but she was certain she could forge a genuine friendship with Song Yunzhao.
This thought made Han Jinyi laugh. If her family knew what she was thinking, they’d probably think she’d lost her mind.
Was she uninterested in gaining favor?
Not exactly. She was more afraid that she wasn’t cut out for it.
For women in the harem, there was more than one path to rise in rank—it wasn’t all about winning the Emperor’s favor. Perhaps she could try a different approach.
With this in mind, Han Jinyi looked at Song Yunzhao and slowly said, “Do you remember An Fangyi?”
Song Yunzhao nodded. Of course, she remembered—An Fangyi had quite the fiery personality.
“I heard from the servants in Liuhua Palace that An Fangyi was once very prominent but quickly fell from grace after angering the Emperor, going from the heights of glory to the depths of despair.”
Song Yunzhao understood this well. The novel had explained that Imperial Noble Consort Chu had framed An Fangyi.
Now that Imperial Noble Consort Chu was dead, it would be difficult for An Fangyi to clear her name.
“Yunzhao, I’ve also heard another rumor—Consort Shu may have played a role in An Fangyi’s fall from favor.”
Song Yunzhao froze. Consort Shu?
The novel claimed it was Imperial Noble Consort Chu!
